(670 The Score) When the Cubs signed left-hander Jon Lester to a six-year deal in December 2014, they pitched him with the message that they were on the verge of winning big in Chicago.
The Cubs did their part in winning a World Series championship in 2016 and reaching the playoffs in five of the six years he was under contract. Lester certainly did his share too, pitching like an ace for much of his time with the Cubs.
So what's next for Lester? President of baseball operations Theo Epstein is scheduled to meet with him later this week to discuss Lester's future. With that on the horizon, Epstein isn't ruling out the possibility of the 36-year-old Lester returning to the Cubs for 2021.
"It remains to be seen whether Jon has pitched his last game as a Cub or not," Epstein said Monday. "There's certainly the possibility that he continues to call Wrigley Field home. Whether he leaves or stays, this is an appropriate time just to acknowledge the profound impact he had on our organization. It's rare when somebody joins an organization with some clear goals in mind -- to win a World Series, to change a culture, to show up in October just about every year and pitch really well in big games, to be a great teammate, to be somebody our organization can be proud of, to make an impact on his teammates and community. He accomplished all those goals in such an honorable manner."
Lester has gone 77-44 with a 3.64 ERA in 171 starts over six seasons with the Cubs. He was co-MVP of the 2016 National League Championship Series, going 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA as Chicago earned its first pennant since 1945.
"We owe him a great debt of gratitude," Epstein said. "We were investing in Jon Lester the person every bit as much as we were investing in Jon Lester the pitcher. He came through in both areas for us in typical Jon Lester fashion.
"It remains to be seen what the future holds, but he's somebody I really admire and always will."
Lester struggled in 2020, going 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts in the shortened 60-game regular season. Lester acknowledged the uncertainty of his future last week while also expressing hope to return to the Cubs in 2021.
"I've definitely appreciated everything this organization has done for me," Lester said. "I hope it's not it. I hope we can figure something out for next year."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
